Reference Manual for the Model RP614 v2 Web Safe Router
Introduction 1-3
Autosensing Ethernet Connections with Auto Uplink™
With its internal 4-port 10/100 switch, the Model RP614 v2 can connect to either a 10 Mbps
standard Ethernet network or a 100 Mbps Fast Ethernet network. Both the LAN and WAN
interfaces are autosensing and capable of full-duplex or half-duplex operation.
The router incorporates Auto Uplink
TM
technology. Each Ethernet port will automatically sense
whether the Ethernet cable plugged into the port should have a ‘normal’ connection such as to a
PC or an ‘uplink’ connection such as to a switch or hub. That port will then configure itself to the
correct configuration. This feature also eliminates the need to worry about crossover cables, as
Auto Uplink will accommodate either type of cable to make the right connection.
Extensive Protocol Support
The RP614 v2 router supports the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and
Routing Information Protocol
(RIP). For further information about TCP/IP, refer to Appendix B,
“Network, Routing, Firewall, and Basics.”
• IP Address Sharing by NAT
The RP614 v2 router allows several networked PCs to share an Internet account using only a
single IP address, which may be statically or dynamically assigned by your Internet service
provider (ISP). This technique, known as NAT, allows the use of an inexpensive single-user
ISP account.
• Automatic Configuration of Attached PCs by DHCP
The RP614 v2 router dynamically assigns network configuration information, including
IP, gateway, and domain name server
(DNS) addresses, to attached PCs on the LAN using the
Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol
(DHCP). This feature greatly simplifies configuration
of PCs on your local network.
• DNS Proxy
When DHCP is enabled and no DNS addresses are specified, the router provides its own
address as a DNS server to the attached PCs. The router obtains actual DNS addresses from
the ISP during connection setup and forwards DNS requests from the LAN.
• PPP over Ethernet
(PPPoE)
PPPoE is a protocol for connecting remote hosts to the Internet over a DSL connection by
simulating a dial-up connection. This feature eliminates the need to run a login program such
as Entersys or WinPOET on your PC.